A PLANNING bid for a petrol station and coffee shop which would create 44 jobs has been turned down for the second time. 

It is understood Grove Garages may appeal the decision by councillors to refuse the highway services at the Bogend Toll. 

The firm want to build a Shell filling station with eight bays, a Londis and a drive through coffee shop on the trunk road near Symington.

A car wash and 40 parking spaces are also part of the proposals. 

The application for permission to build was met with 22 objections from residents of the Coodham Estate in Symington and elsewhere. 

Agent Daniel McLean told the South Ayrshire Council Regulatory Panel planning meeting there is a requirement for the facility to meet the needs of motorists.

He described the site as a “central point” between Glasgow and Stranraer. 

Supporter of the application Andrew Russell said if you travel to Perth or Dundee you can find convenient service stations at the side of the road.

Council officials recommended the application be refused. 

They said the development proposal is contrary to a number of the South Ayrshire Local Development Plan policies. 

Officials said in a decision note: “It is not considered that an additional roadside facility at the application site is justified, or required, given the proximity of existing 24 hour service areas on the A77 at Dutch House and Bellfield.”

Symington Community Council said: “This application does not adhere to Scottish Planning Policy, and if allowed it would further exacerbate the road safety issues already experienced by the village and surrounding areas.”

Councillors refused the application at County Buildings in Ayr this week.